Forza Horizon 5 does not have split-screen multiplayer

Forza Horizon 5 removed split-screen play entirely. If you want to race against friends on the same console, you cannot do it in this game. The game supports online multiplayer only — you and your friends each need your own Xbox or PC, and you connect through Xbox Live.

This is a significant change from earlier Forza Horizon games. Forza Horizon 4 had split-screen for up to two players on the same screen. Forza Horizon 5 does not. Developer Playground Games made this choice to focus on online multiplayer features and to handle the game's larger open world without the performance hit that split-screen would create.

If you own the game and want to play with someone else in the same room, your only option is to take turns or watch someone else play. You cannot race together on one console.

Key Takeaways

  • Forza Horizon 5 has no split-screen mode on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or PC.
  • You must play online multiplayer, which means each player needs their own console or PC and an Xbox Live account.
  • If you want split-screen racing on console, you would need to play Forza Horizon 4 instead, which supports two-player split-screen.
  • The game prioritizes online multiplayer races, seasonal events, and open-world exploration over local couch play.

What multiplayer modes Forza Horizon 5 actually has

Forza Horizon 5 offers several online multiplayer options. You can join Horizon Open races, which are public multiplayer events where up to 12 players compete in the same race. You can also create or join Private Multiplayer Lobbies with friends — you set the race type, track, and rules, and invite specific people to join.

The game also has Seasonal Events and Ranked Multiplayer, where you compete against other players online for rewards and ranking points. None of these modes work on a single screen with two controllers. Each player must be on their own device.

If you want to race with a friend in the same room, you need two Xbox consoles (or two PCs, or one of each) connected to the same network or to Xbox Live. Both players launch the game, both join the same lobby, and you race together online while sitting next to each other.

Why split-screen was removed

Split-screen multiplayer is technically demanding. Forza Horizon 5 runs at higher frame rates and graphical detail than Forza Horizon 4, and the map is larger and more detailed. Running the game twice on one console — once for each player's view — would cut the frame rate in half or force a significant drop in visual quality.

Playground Games decided that the online multiplayer experience, seasonal content, and open-world features were more important to the game's design than local couch play. This reflects a broader industry trend: most racing games released in the last five years have dropped split-screen in favor of online-only multiplayer.

If split-screen is important to you, Forza Horizon 4 still supports it and is still playable on Xbox and PC. You can also look at other racing games that still offer split-screen, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch or Gran Turismo Sport on PlayStation 4.

How to play Forza Horizon 5 with friends in the same room

The workaround is straightforward: bring two devices into the same room. If you both have Xbox consoles, connect them to the same TV or use separate monitors. If you have a PC and an Xbox, do the same. Both players log into their own Xbox Live accounts, launch Forza Horizon 5, and meet up in a private lobby.

To create a private lobby, open the multiplayer menu in Forza Horizon 5, select Private Multiplayer, and choose your race settings. You will get a lobby code or a list of friends you can invite. Share the code with your friend, and they can join your session. You can then race together, and you will both see the same race on your own screens.

This requires that both players own a copy of the game and have an active Xbox Live subscription (or Game Pass, which includes Forza Horizon 5). If you are using PC, one player can use the Microsoft Store version and the other can use the Steam version — both work together in online multiplayer.

Other racing games with split-screen if you need it

If you specifically want to play split-screen racing in the same room, you have options outside of Forza Horizon 5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch supports up to four players on one screen in split-screen mode. Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 5 has a two-player split-screen mode. Dirt Rally 2.0 on multiple platforms also supports split-screen.

On Xbox, Forza Horizon 4 remains the most recent Forza game with split-screen support. It is still available and playable, though it is an older game with less frequent updates than Forza Horizon 5.

The trade-off is clear: games with split-screen tend to have smaller maps, lower graphical detail, or lower frame rates than online-only games. Forza Horizon 5 chose to prioritize visual quality and a large open world over local multiplayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Forza Horizon 5 split-screen on Xbox Series X or Series S?

No. Split-screen is not available on any version of Forza Horizon 5, including Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or PC. The game supports online multiplayer only.

What if I want to play Forza with someone in the same room?

You need two separate devices. Bring two Xbox consoles, two PCs, or one of each into the same room. Both players log in, join the same private multiplayer lobby, and race together online while sitting next to each other.

Does Forza Horizon 4 have split-screen?

Yes. Forza Horizon 4 supports two-player split-screen on the same console. If split-screen is important to you, that game is still available and playable on Xbox and PC.

Do both players need Xbox Game Pass to play together?

Both players need either a copy of Forza Horizon 5 or an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. They also both need an Xbox Live account. Game Pass includes the game, so one subscription per player covers it.

Can I play split-screen if one person has the game on PC and one on Xbox?

No, split-screen does not exist in Forza Horizon 5 on any platform. However, you can play online multiplayer together — one player on PC and one on Xbox in the same lobby, sitting in the same room if you want.